New electric Piaggio Ape models, E-City Ultra and E-City FX Maxx, debut in India, priced from ₹3.30 lakh
The Piaggio Group, an Italian manufacturer of scooters, motorcycles, and three-wheelers, has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio in India with the launch of the Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx. These electric three-wheelers are designed to cater to the needs of demanding city operations, offering strong battery performance, smart features, and robust build quality.
Key Features and Specifications
The Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx share several common features, including fast charging capabilities, intelligent 4G telematics, geo-fencing, live tracking, and climb assist for steep inclines. However, they differ in some aspects, such as battery capacity, range, and motor specifications.
Battery and Range
The Ape E-City Ultra is equipped with a 10.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing an impressive certified range of 236 km. On the other hand, the Ape E-City FX Maxx uses prismatic cell technology to manage battery performance and offers a certified range of 174 km.
Charging Time and Motor Specifications
Both models feature fast charging capabilities, with the Ape E-City Ultra charging from 0 to 100% in approximately 3 hours 45 minutes using a 3 kW off-board charger. The Ape E-City FX Maxx, while not explicitly stated, is expected to have a similar charging time.
The Ape E-City Ultra's motor delivers a peak power of 9.55 kW and 45 Nm of torque, while the Ape E-City FX Maxx offers 7.4 kW peak power and 30 Nm of torque.
Pricing and Availability
Both models are now available through Piaggio's dealership network across the country. The Ape E-City FX Maxx is priced at ₹3,30,000, and the Ape E-City Ultra at ₹3,88,000 (both ex-showroom, India).
Comparison with Other Upcoming Electric Scooters and 3Ws in India
The Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx stand out in the market due to their high battery capacity, superior range, fast charging, robust all-metal body, advanced telematics, and commercial-grade warranties.
Most electric scooters offer smaller batteries (2-5 kWh), shorter ranges (70-150 km), and lower top speeds (25-50 kmph), oriented towards personal commuting. Upcoming electric three-wheelers, on the other hand, offer ranges around 100-140 km with varying charging times and motor powers.
The Piaggio Ape E-City Ultra's larger battery capacity, longer range, higher top speed, and commercial-grade features place it at the premium end in the small commercial EV segment in India.
Key Highlights
- The Ape E-City Ultra leads with a large 10.2 kWh LFP battery, delivering an excellent 236 km range, significantly higher than usual electric scooters and many EV 3Ws in India.
- Both models feature fast charging capabilities, intelligent 4G telematics for real-time vehicle data, geo-fencing, live tracking, and climb assist for steep inclines.
- Full-metal body construction and commercial-grade warranties (5 years / 2.25 lakh km) emphasize durability for professional use, unlike many scooters that use plastic/fiber bodies.
- The gross vehicle weight and seating capacity indicate these are clearly designed for passenger or goods transport rather than the personal use typical for scooters.
In conclusion, the Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx electric three-wheelers offer high battery capacity, superior range, fast charging, robust all-metal body, advanced telematics, and commercial-grade warranties, making them suitable for demanding professional and city transport applications rather than just personal commute.
[1]: Piaggio India Press Release [2]: Business Standard Article [3]: Financial Express Article [4]: Autocar India Article [5]: Mahindra Treo Specifications
- The Piaggio Group's new electric three-wheelers, Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx, cater to the needs of city operations with fast charging capabilities, smart features, and robust build quality.
- The Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx, amongst other electric vehicles in India, stand out due to their high battery capacity, superior range, fast charging, and commercial-grade features.
- The Ape E-City Ultra, in particular, leads with a large 10.2 kWh LFP battery, delivering an impressive certified range of 236 km, significantly higher than many electric scooters and EV three-wheelers in India.
- For city transportation, both the Ape E-City Ultra and FX Maxx electric three-wheelers offer high battery capacity, superior range, fast charging, robust all-metal body, advanced telematics, and commercial-grade warranties, making them ideal for professional and demanding city applications.
